2018 NRL Grand Final: guide

Nine will screen the NRL Grand Final at 6:30pm AEST on Sunday, as the Melbourne Storm takes on the Sydney Roosters.

Coverage of the 2018 NRL Grand Final Day commences at 11.00am this Sunday with an extended edition of The Sunday Footy Show Live from ANZ Stadium. Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Darren Lockyer will join host Erin Molan to preview all three games. They are joined by an all-star group of analysts including Johnathan Thurston, Andrew Johns, Wally Lewis, Sam Thaiday, Adam MacDougall, Jamie Soward, Allana Ferguson and Scott Sattler.

The inaugural Women’s NRL Grand Final between the Broncos and Roosters commences at 1.00pm*. After last week’s lopsided victory over the Dragons, the Roosters are looking dangerous, with stars Isabelle Kelly and Taleena Simon in top form. The Broncos will be playing in enemy territory, but confident because they are undefeated in the shortened competition, including a win over the Roosters. Brisbane star Brittany Breayley, the Dally M Female Player of the Year,has been phenomenal and will be a key to Brisbane’s chances.

At 3.30pm*, the Intrust Super State Championship sees the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs taking on the Redcliffe Dolphins for the interstate crown after winning their respective NSW and Queensland reserve grade competitions. Former Kiwi international Greg Eastwood will lead the Bulldogs pack, while centre Morgan Harper will want to recreate last week’s heroics after his late try to seal victory against the Newtown Jets. The Dolphins will rely on the competition’s top pointscorer, Kotoni Staggs, to play sharpshooter again, while halfback and captain Cameron Cullen schemes to guide the Queenslanders to their first Intrust Championship.

From 6.30pm*, the 2018 NRL Premiership Grand Final coverage begins with a rocking performance by three-time ARIA Award-winning band Gang of Youths, before the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm meet in the biggest game of the year for the first time in their history.

While most of the focus has been on superstar fullback Billy Slater’s successful attempt to play his last game after being cleared of a shoulder charge, speculation still surrounds the fitness of Roosters champion halfback Cooper Cronk with his serious shoulder injury. He will be eager to face his old club filled with stars old and young, like Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster who have been at their calculating best throughout the finals. The Roosters have plenty of experience in former Premiership-winner Luke Keary and Dally M winger of the year Blake Ferguson, while two of their main attacking weapons – James Tedesco and the returning Latrell Mitchell – will be looking to overcome the nerves of their first Grand Final.

This year fans can get closer to the Grand Final action than ever with access to four additional live streams on 9Now, including Spidercam, dedicated Player Cams, and for the first time, Referee cam. Head to 9Now or download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to watch on your mobile device.

Sunday, September 30
NRLW Grand Final – Broncos Vs Roosters
Sydney 1.00pm Live on Nine
Brisbane 1.00pm Live on Nine
Melbourne 1.00pm Live on 9GEM
Adelaide 12.30pm Live on 9GEM
Perth 11.00am Live on 9GEM

Sunday, September 30
Intrust Super State Championship – Bulldogs Vs Dolphins
Sydney 3.10pm Live on Nine
Brisbane 3.10pm Live on Nine
Melbourne 3.10pm Live on 9GEM
Adelaide 1.10pm Live on 9GEM
Perth 2.40pm Live on 9GEM

Sunday, September 30
NRL Premiership 2018 Grand Final – Roosters Vs Storm
Sydney 6.30pm Live on Nine
Brisbane 6.30pm Live on Nine
Melbourne 6.30pm Live on Nine
Adelaide 6.30pm Live on Nine
Perth 4.30pm Live on Nine

* check local guides.